Free Workshop "Give Your Kids Wings to Fly"
2025-11-29 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Next Space Coworking (Opp Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz), Next Space Coworking, Opposite Abbott Square, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
“Give Your Kids Wings to Fly”
Saturdays 4-6pm
Join this fun and interactive 2-hour workshop with your kids (ages 8–12) and watch them soar as high as their creativity and imagination can take them!
This free workshop is led by the 3DE Club—an online after-school program that helps kids develop entrepreneurial, leadership, and financial skills through 3D modeling and printing technology.
Kids ages 8–12 team up to design their own toy or product.
Teachers and Parent/Guardian Volunteers Welcome. (For invitation please email info@3de.club)
Next Space Coworking (Opposite Abbott Square, downtown Santa Cruz)
Workshop Registration Link: https://3de.club/workshop (required to attend)

Community Crafters Boulder Creek
2025-11-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Boulder Creek Library, 13390 W Park Ave, Boulder Creek, CA, United States
Community Crafters Boulder Creek and/or Felton
Boulder Creek Library: Saturdays 10am – 12pm
Felton Library: 4th Wednesday 10:30am-2:30pm

Come join amazing teachers from the community to learn a new craft or art process, and have a space dedicated to work on projects with others every week. We plan to learn a new craft or art process once a month with the weeks in between being open “studio” time. Come be part of this new community at the Boulder Creek library! Materials will be provided for craft being taught, or bring what you want to work on!
The Community Crafters are a diverse group of makers who love to share knowledge.
Knit, quilt, weave, spin, make jewelry, embroider, mend and so much more.
All crafters are welcome! We hope you will join us in creating community and beautiful things!
Now at the Felton Branch Library as well as Boulder Creek!

HOLIDAY POP-UP
2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 | 1407 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
HOLIDAY POP-UP and coming!!

Fridays-Sundays 10am-5pm, November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-13 & 19-20

Join us for a special pop-up for four weekends (Fri-Sun) starting THIS weekend, NOV 28-30!

1407 Pacific Ave. Sponsored by @firstfridaysantacruz

Check our website scmmakersmarket.com for all the details!

Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
2025-11-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-02 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-04 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz SPCA, 2601 Chanticleer Avenue, Santa Cruz (Live Oak), Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Santa Cruz SPCA Home for the Holiday
Through January 3: Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA’s Home for the Holidays event starts TODAY — and our adoptable animals are ready!! Like, brushed-their-fur-and-everything ready.
From NOW through Jan 3, you can meet your future snuggle buddy AND enjoy waived adoption fees for the following animal categories:

Big dogs (40+lbs)
Adult cats (6mos+)
Adult dogs/cats who’ve waited 30+ days for a home!

Come meet your new bestie. They’re cute. They’re available. 10/10 would recommend.

Redwood Loop Tour Henry Cowell Redwoods
2025-11-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Henry Cowell State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Redwood Loop Tour – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Sundays, February 16, 12 – 2pm

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Every Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants.
Click here to RSVP. Let’s plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018

Ben Lomond Tree Lighting
2025-11-30 15:00 - 18:00 | Ben Lomond Fire Department, 9430 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005
Ben Lomond Tree Lighting
Sunday, November 30, 3-6pm
Join us for Ben Lomond’s annual Tree Lighting Party.
This family-friendly event will include a bake sale, beverages, and children’s activities available by donation.
Festivities include kids’ ornament-making stations, holiday performances, and seasonal music from local musicians, all leading up to our exciting community tree lighting.
Don your festive red attire and bring canned food for donation to Valley Churches United. More details to come…
Special thanks to the BLFD Auxiliary for their help!
Ben Lomond Holiday Shop
Ben Lomond holiday mugs and ornaments will be available for sale at the Ben Lomond Tree Lighting event on Nov. 30!
Plus, some of our 2025 swag (including a few more Scottish Day shirts!). Make sure you get these limited-edition goodies by ordering beforehand!

Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
2025-12-01, 2025-12-02, 2025-12-03, 2025-12-04, 2025-12-05 | City of Santa Cruz, CA, United States
Holiday Glow Guide & Contest
December
Light Up Santa Cruz! Holiday Glow Guide & Contest Registration is Open
Spread Holiday Cheer: Join the 2025 Santa Cruz Holiday Glow Guide & Contest.
Ready to deck your halls and your home? Join the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department for the 2025 Holiday Glow Guide & Contest and make your neighborhood sparkle this season! Brighten your block.
Snap & Submit: Take a photo of your holiday decorations and register your home via WebTrac Activity # H120125.

Get Featured: Accepted homes will appear on the interactive Glow Guide map, so friends, family, and visitors can tour the city’s sparkling displays
Score a Reward: Every participant gets a $5 promo code for Parks & Recreation classes.
Win Big: One lucky home will receive a $50 Parks & Recreation Gift Card for the most creative holiday display.

From twinkling white lights to colorful, over-the-top displays or whimsical inflatables, every home adds a little extra holiday magic. Whether you’re in it for bragging rights or just to share the joy, this is your chance to celebrate creativity, spread cheer, and make Santa Cruz sparkle.
Every entry will receive a $5 promo code to use when registering for a class activity offered by the Park and Recreation Classes Department. All entries will be entered in a contest for the best decoration. The winner will receive a $50 P&R Gift Card!
Register Here!
Visit: https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/2025-Holiday-Glow-Guide-Contest
or email: recreationevents@santacruzca.gov (subject line: “ATTN: Holiday Glow Guide Map Listing”)
Media Contact: Annalise Bryant, Recreation Supervisor,

Stuffie Hide & Seek
2025-12-01 10:00 - 18:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Stuffie Hide & Seek
Friday, August 1, 10am – 6pm
Every day through December 1
A cuddly, book-loving stuffed animal is hiding in the Children’s Room—can you track it down? Explore the shelves, uncover fun books and surprises, and when you find the critter, let a librarian know to earn a sticker prize! This passive program runs all day, every day—just drop in and join the fun!
Aptos Library Children’s Room

Chanukah Story Hour
2025-12-01 17:00 - 18:00 | Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Chanukah Story Hour
Monday, December 1, 5-6pm
Free

Please join Temple Beth El for a Chanukah Story Hour! We’ll light the menorah, sing the blessings, read stories, and sing songs. Perfect for families with children of all ages!
Your RSVP helps us plan for your arrival and keep in touch with any changes. Thank you for registering!
RSVP

Community Day Free Admission!
2025-12-02 09:00 - 17:00 | UCSC Arboretum, 120 Arboretum Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
Community Day Free Admission!
First Tuesdays, 9am – 5pm

The first Tuesday of each month, Community Day, the Arboretum is open and free for visitors.
See dates and times UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden is open.
NOTE: Due to limited parking at the Arboretum and the popularity of Community Day, we greatly encourage visitors to carpool, bike, walk or use public transportation as much as possible.
https://arboretum.ucsc.edu/eventscalendar/events/recurring-events/community-day.html

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail Capitola
2025-12-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Wednesdays 3 – 5pm through June 6
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Wednesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Capitola and La Selva Beach Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

Winter Solstice, Stories & Crafts
2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Felton Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Winter Solstice, Stories & Crafts
Thursdays 11am-12pm

Learn how people celebrate this season of light and learn about the Winter Solstice through stories, songs, and lots of fun! Followed by a craft!

This program takes the place of our regular Preschool Storytime & Craft.

Preschool Storytime & Craft takes place in the Felton Community Room every Thursday from 11-12.

Join us for early literacy fun with books, songs, and activities for preschoolers and their caregivers!
https://santacruzpl.libnet.info/event/15179144

Mah Jongg Club - Hong Kong Style
2025-12-04 14:00 - 16:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
Mah Jongg Club – Hong Kong Style

Thursdays, 2 – 4pm, through December 18
Welcome players of all levels – the experienced and the newly curious!
Connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts and build a supportive community. Share experiences, exchange tips, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow learners.
I host a Beginner’s Learning Table EVERY week, instructing in Hong Kong Style. I will take you through the basics of the tiles and setup, followed by a game with tiles face up as we put what we’ve learned into practice. You can stay at the Beginner’s table for as long as you need. Alternatively, we have an additional instructor in Chinese Mah Jongg with British rules if you find you prefer that style instead.
We have tile sets to choose from or you may bring your own.
All are welcome to play, however please be mindful and respectful that there are at least 40 known variants of this game. If you would like to play American or Traditional Chinese, or other variants, you are welcome to do so, but you may need to be patient and instruct folks on how to play your way. Sometimes modifications will be needed, at the beginning of each game ask the table what rules to play by and be courteous and kind to one another.

R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
2025-12-04 15:00 | Aptos Library, 7695 Soquel Dr,, Aptos, CA, 95003
R.E.A.D. Reach Every Amazing Detail
Thursdays 3-5pm
R.E.A.D. is one-on-one reading comprehension instruction for readers 2nd through 12th grade. Instructors are California credentialed teachers.
Thursdays from 3:00p to 5:00p at Downtown, Aptos, Felton & Live Oak Libraries. Sessions are 25 minutes long. By appointment only.
For more information or to register, contact SCPL Telephone Information: 831-427-7713 or elibrary@santacruzpl.org

King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach
2025-12-04 15:00 - 16:00 | New Brighton State Beach, CA, United States
King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach

December 4 & 5, 3-4pm

Join Us for King Tide Walks at New Brighton State Beach!

The king tides are almost here! King Tides are the highest predicted tides of the year. They occur when the Earth, moon, and sun align during new or full moons, and the combined gravitational pull, along with the moon’s closest approach to Earth, creates exceptionally high tides and low tides.

Day-use parking lot at New Brighton State Beach (Please note: there is a $10 entrance fee.)

We’ll Explore: tide pool critters exposed by the extreme low tides, whale fossils revealed during king tides.

Bring: comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a flashlight

Heavy rain will cancel the event.

Sign Up Here: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule/0ef4b536

Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
2025-12-04 16:00 - 2025-12-06 18:00 | NextSpace Coworking Santa Cruz (Opp Abbott Square), 101 Cooper St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, Philippines
Future-Ready Innovators: Free 2-Hour Intro Workshop
Thursdays 4-6pm, starting September 4
Watch your child’s creative ideas come to life with 3D printing!
Join our 3D Entrepreneurs Club for a fun and engaging free 2-hour intro workshop designed for kids ages 8–12. In this 2-hour session, kids will explore creativity, confidence, and community while learning the basics of 3D design and printing.
👉 Limited free spots available
👉 Join in-person or online
👉 For kids ages 8–12
📅 Reserve your spot today at: www.3de.club/workshop

Full Moon Hike at Quail Hollow Dec 4
2025-12-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Full Moon Hike at Quail Hollow

Thursday, December 4, 6–8:30pm

Join us for a quiet full moon hike at Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight.

On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest.

Bring flashlights and/or a headlamp (though we may try to hike without them), and some drinking water.

Dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes.

Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=friendsofquailhollow%40gmail.com&ctz=America%2FLos_Angeles

Elkhorn Slough Free Weekend Tours
2025-12-05 10:00 | Elkhorn Slough, 1700 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA, 95003, United States
Elkhorn Slough Free Tour of the Preserve
Every Saturday AND Sunday, 10 am and 11 am

Guided hikes with naturalists are offered at 10am and 11am every Saturday and Sunday on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for tours at the Visitor Center front desk. If you have questions, call (831) 728-2822.

HOLIDAY POP-UP Dec 5-7
2025-12-05 10:00 - 17:00 | 1407 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
2025-12-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom, CA, United States
New Support Group Stillbirth & Infant Loss Support
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday, 11am – 12:30pm, beginning June 17
This support group is for parents who have experienced stillbirth or early infant loss. Our group is here to provide support and connection to parents as we know losing a baby can be an isolating and devastating experience. This group is led by trained peer facilitators who have also experienced infant loss.<
Our groups are 90 minutes (1.5 hours) in length. The first ~30 minutes is providing information, education, and establishing group guidelines. The next ~60 minutes is “talk time,” in which group members share and talk with each other. Group members must be present for the group guidelines before joining in the discussion or “talk time.”
Register at http://bit.ly/FindSupportGroup

Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
2025-12-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Bring Your Own Book (BYOB)
3rd Fridays, 11am – 12:30pm, March 15 – December 20
Join us at the Aptos Branch Library for an engaging and dynamic book group experience: Bring Your Own Book (BYOB).
This innovative program encourages participants to bring along a book of their choice and share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives with fellow readers. Whether you’re passionate about fiction, non-fiction, classics, or contemporary literature, BYOB Book Group welcomes all genres and interests.
https://santacruzpl.libcal.com/event/12055882
How It Works:

Choose Your Book: Select a book that you’ve recently read or have been wanting to discuss. It could be a novel, biography, memoir, poetry collection, or any other genre that interests you.
Bring Your Book: Arrive at the library with your chosen book in hand. Make sure it’s one you’re eager to share and discuss with others.
Engage in Discussion: Once everyone has gathered, participants will take turns sharing their thoughts on their chosen books. This could include favorite passages, character analysis, thematic elements, personal connections, and more.
Respectful Exchange: Engage in respectful and open-minded discussions with fellow participants. Share your perspectives while also listening attentively to others’ viewpoints. This is a space for lively literary dialogue and exchange of ideas.
Discover New Reads: Explore a diverse range of books and genres through the recommendations and discussions of fellow participants. You might just find your next favorite read!

Whether you’re a voracious reader or just starting to delve into the world of books, Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Book Group offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for lively literary discussions and discovery. Join us at the library and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!
